A Beautiful Reflection From Firework Eyes

I Spend Everyday In Captivity

All I can think about is that one vine that goes "Oooh they were roommates" lol.

Anyway chapter three! Let's go. 

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"So what is this place?" Kellin asks, leaning against the wall from his bed. We've been talking for a bit—there's not much else to do. I've mainly gotten over the shock of seeing another person in the room—another living, breathing thing. I have to admit, the company is nice. I'm not used to seeing another person in this room, not since Jaime, but it's nice nonetheless.

"They didn't tell you?" I ask, shocked. They gave me the whole rundown speech when they brought me in.

He shakes his head. "They kinda just dropped me off here," he mumbles.

"It's a research containment facility," I explain. "Basically, they test our powers and hide us from the world."

"Ah, makes sense," he says.

"How'd you get caught?" I ask.

"I didn't. My parents called me in." He says.

My eyes widen at his words. His parents called him in? They would do that, to their own son? My parents tried to hide me, and when they couldn't, they helped me run away. It wasn't any use in the end, but at least they tried. "I'm sorry," I say.

"It's okay," he mumbles. "So how long have you been here?"

"A year? Maybe longer. I've lost track of time," I say gloomily. I can tell he's shocked by my answer.

"Do you ever think we'll get out of here?" He asks at last.

"I hope so," I breathe out. I really do, though at this point, I know we're never escaping, not after what happened last time. There's no point in trying anymore.

The buzzer sounds again, and Kellin jumps, startled. I don't react though, just slide off my bed and walk toward the door. On cue, the door opens and in slides two trays. I'm startled when I see two of them, then remember. I have a roommate now. The thought makes me smile as I pick them up.

"Food," I say in a way of explanation. Kellin hesitates before he slides off his bed, sitting next to me on the floor cross-legged.

He wrinkles his nose as he uncovers the tray. I can't help but laugh at his reaction.

"It's pretty disgusting," I admit, uncovering my own bowl of gray mush.

"It smells like glue," he says, picking up the plastic spoon.

"Doesn't taste much better," I say, picking up my own.

We sit in silence for a few moments. I can't help but watch him. It's strange having another person, I have to admit. I'm not quite used to sharing my space anymore, but I'll adjust. He seems nice—he's pretty quiet, though. He notices me staring and blushes, a hint of red appearing on his pale skin.

"So how old are you?" I ask, breaking the silence.

"Sixteen," Kellin says, stirring the mush in his bowl around. He's a year younger than me, at least if I counted the days correctly.

"I'm seventeen," I say. "I think at least. It's hard to keep track of the days."

"Have you had a roommate before?" Kellin asks.

I look down at my tray, a sinking feeling in my stomach. "Yeah." My voice is quiet. I don't want to talk about this now— especially not with him since he's new. The worst thing I can do is scare him right now.

"What happened to him?" Kellin asks.

I struggle to keep the memories in check. "Nothing," I mutter. But it really wasn't nothing, was it? It's easier than saying the words out loud.

Kellin seems to take the hint and drops his gaze too.

The buzzer rings again, and Kellin looks up, startled.

"What is it this time?"

"You're in luck," I say. "We have the day off from studies and practice."

"Then what's the buzzer for?"

I grab the stiff gray towels from being bleached one too many times from the rack, throwing one to him. He catches it, a look of surprise on his face. "Showers."